Carlos Alcaraz confirmed he will miss the 2026 Madrid Open after a lingering wrist injury suffered in Barcelona forced him to prioritize recovery. The world No. 2, who also withdrew from the event last year, said the ailment is "slightly more serious" and that he hopes to be ready for the French Open. The announcement was posted on his official X account on Friday.
Alcaraz opened the season with a flawless run at the Australian Open, where he completed the Career Grand Slam, and followed it with a title win in Doha. He later reached the semifinals in Indian Wells and was eliminated in the third round of Miami. In Monte‑Carlo, the Spaniard lost to rival Jannik Sinner in the final, a match that also decided the No. 1 spot on the PIF ATP Rankings.
In his social‑media message, Alcaraz wrote, "There are some news that are incredibly hard to share. Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that's why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row." He added, "It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that means so much. Thank you for the unwavering affection, and I hope we see each other soon ❤️"
Alcaraz's withdrawal removes a top‑seeded contender from Madrid, leaving the draw more open for other rivals. His focus on healing suggests he will aim to return in form for the French Open, the next major on his calendar. The heartfelt message underscores how much the Spanish event means to him, highlighting the personal disappointment behind the decision.
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